What is the group refractive index for a monochromatic wave in a laser cavity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the attempt to determine the group refractive index of a laser cavity at its resonance frequency using the equations $\frac{2\omega n L}{c} = 2m\pi$ and $n_g = n + \omega \frac{dn}{d\omega}$, leading to a result of 0. The significance of this result is questioned.
  • #1
jsea-7
14
0

Homework Statement

.[/B]
I am attempting to determine the group refractive index of a laser cavity at it's resonance frequency.

Homework Equations

.[/B]
\begin{align*}
\frac{2\omega n L}{c} &= 2m\pi
\end{align*}

\begin{align*}
n_g &= n + \omega \frac{dn}{d\omega}
\end{align*}

3. The attempt at the solution.
I have considered a uniform plane wave propagating within the cavity satisfying the following relation
\begin{align*}
\frac{2\omega n L}{c} &= 2m\pi
\end{align*}
where ω is the angular frequency, n is the effective refractive index and L is the length of the laser cavity. I have derived the group refractive index as follows
\begin{align*}
n_g &= n + \omega \frac{dn}{d\omega} \\
&= \frac{c m \pi}{\omega L} - \frac{c m \pi}{ \omega L}\\
&= 0
\end{align*}

If this is correct, I don't understand what this is physically entailing. Any insight would be much appreciated! Thank you.
 
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  • #2
You are calculating the group index of refraction for a monochromatic wave, which is of course zero.
 

What is the zero group refractive index?

The zero group refractive index, also known as the phase velocity, is a measure of how fast light travels through a medium. It is defined as the speed of light in a vacuum divided by the speed of light in the medium.

How is the zero group refractive index different from the standard refractive index?

The standard refractive index is a measure of how much light is bent when it passes through a medium. It is dependent on both the material and the wavelength of light. The zero group refractive index, on the other hand, is a measure of the speed of light in a medium and is independent of the wavelength.

What does it mean when the zero group refractive index is equal to zero?

If the zero group refractive index is equal to zero, it means that light is not slowed down at all when passing through the medium. This could occur in materials with extremely low density or in a vacuum, where there is no medium for the light to pass through.

What are some real-life applications of materials with a zero group refractive index?

Materials with a zero group refractive index have potential applications in the field of optics, such as creating superlenses that can resolve details smaller than the wavelength of light. They can also be used to create invisibility cloaks, as light passing through a material with a zero group refractive index would not be bent or slowed down.

How is the zero group refractive index measured?

The zero group refractive index is typically measured using a technique called time-resolved interferometry. This involves sending a pulse of light through the material and measuring the time it takes for the pulse to travel through the material. By comparing this to the time it would take for light to travel through a vacuum, the zero group refractive index can be calculated.

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